The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities has rolled out a series of peace keeping meetings in clash-prone areas in a bid to end conflict.
The Committee that is chaired by Adan Yusuf Haji (Mandera West) held discussions on the planned peace-keeping meetings to be conducted in four counties that are hit by persistent tribal clashes.
The clashes are occasioned by the tussle for resources, incitement and political leadership among others.
The counties that members of the Committee are set to visit for the peace initiative include Malindi, Kilifi, Lamu and Baringo.
“The Committee appreciates efforts put in place by the government to end the clashes and restore peace in the troubled counties,” said Haji.
He added: “But as a Committee, we want to supplement measures put in place by the government to quell the clashes through peace keeping meetings.”
He noted that the peace making programme the Committee plans to undertake is in accordance with its mandate of ensuring intercommunity cohesion and peaceful co-existence.
The chairperson noted that the Committee will undertake the programme in conjunction with the local County security teams that are led by County Commissioners.
“We will also hold meetings with the warring groups, local leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders that are critical in efforts to secure peace in the regions,” he added.
Lamu County MP Monicah Muthoni Marubu said the decision to conduct peace-keeping meetings in her backyard was welcome, though long overdue.
Marubu noted that conflicts in the county have affected livelihood, including women and children.
She noted that she will lay ground for effective execution of the peace mission.
“The Committee should meet all stakeholders among them the Wanati wa Lamu who are critical to enabling them achieve the goal of making the region conflict free,” said the MP.
Nakuru County MP Liza Chelule called on grassroot leaders to support the Committee’s peace initiative.
She said the initiative is aimed at ending the long-standing conflicts.
During the meeting, the Committee also approved it’s work plan that will guide the House team as it discharges its mandate.
According to the work plan, the Committee will meet the leadership of various government agencies to inquire on employment diversity and access to opportunities.
The Principal Secretary Interior and National Administration, Inspector General of Police and Chief Executive Officer of the National Police Service Commission are among senior government officers expected to face the Committee to respond to queries on various matters.
